Late Evening Is Prime For Steakhouse Music Not To Mention, Food

NIGHTLIFE

March 14, 1997|JOAN BRAZER DURANTE

New York Prime considers itself ``the Mercedes of steakhouses,'' and the quality of the entertainment at this upscale restaurant reflects that confidence. While most of those assembling near the musician's platform are waiting for dinner tables, some stop by simply to hear the soothing sounds of talented Albert Crabtree.

On a weekend night, when tables fill quickly and bar seats are scarce, Crabtree becomes lost in a sea of people. However, an admirable sound system brings his music to all corners of the large room that serves as both restaurant and lounge. Never overpowering, always audible, the music is a sampling from a repertoire that includes such songs as Nature Boy, Tequila Sunrise, Green Dolphin Street and Louie, Louie.

Music adds a cosmopolitan feeling to a setting employing a combination of mahogany, rich colors and clusters of greenery for its urban image. Dinners range from $18.50 to $34.50 (plus market price for 3-pound lobsters), but light bites such as the $5 Caesar salad or $12.50 baked shrimp appetizer are served to those seated near the bar (where a well-brand cocktail is $4.95).

New York Prime is a nice dinner spot but not the best locale for true music appreciation or interaction with the performer unless you arrive an hour before closing, when crowds thin out and there is more contact between entertainers and audience.

Nightlife news

Attention single women, the Fourth Annual Bachelor Auction starts at 7 tonight at Club Asia at the Holiday Inn Boca Raton, Interstate 95 and Glades Road. Disc jockey Tony Styles plays Top 40 dance music as women bid on their favorite single guy. The $15 donation requested at the door benefits the Make a Wish Foundation.

* There are plenty of St. Patrick's celebrations in store. More than 30 bands and acts entertain on three stages tonight, Saturday and Sunday at Irish Fest '97 at Currie Park on Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Wish for wonderful weather at 9 p.m. Saturday, for if the skies are clear there will be a fireworks display.

The Irish Cottage Pub, 2717 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach, has festivities today through Monday. There is no admission charge and plenty of live entertainment every evening.

* If you are tired of St. Patrick's Day celebrations but still want somewhere to go Monday night, visit Jan McArt's Cabaret, 315 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. At 8 p.m. singer Yves Letourneau joins soprano Elise Richel and accompanist Fred Silver for an evening of music with a French flavor. News concerning local entertainment events and performers is welcome. Send items to